Multi-well apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multi-well assembly according to one embodiment comprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block defines a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottom surface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passageways corresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate is configured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluid communication is established between each well and an associated fluid passageway.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/274,262, filed on Mar. 8, 2001.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention concerns multi-well apparatus, typicallyuseful for chemical, biological and biochemical analysis.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent years, various areas of research have demandedcost-effective assays and reactions of diminishing scale, increasingefficiency and accuracy, with high-throughput capacity. Multi-welldevices with multiple individual wells, such as multi-well plates ormulti-well blocks, are some of the most commonly used tools to carry outsuch reactions and assays. A variety of multi-well arrangements,constructed according to standardized formats, are commerciallyavailable. For example, a multi-well device having ninety-sixdepressions or wells arranged in a 12×8 array is a commonly usedarrangement. Conventional multi-well devices may have wells with eitherfluid-impervious bottom surfaces to retain matter in the wells or openbottoms, in which case a receptacle plate may be placed underneath themulti-well device to collect matter flowing from the wells.

[0004] Test plates for numerous applications are well-known in the art.For example, test plates are known for use in culturing tissue samples.Other forms of test plates are adapted for carrying out chemicalreactions or for use in micro-chromatography.

[0005] For applications requiring filtration, respective filters may bepositioned in the wells of a multi-well device. In such applications,vacuum or pressure may be applied to facilitate filtration of fluidsamples in the wells of the device. Following filtration, the fluids maybe collected in individual containers or wells of a receptacle plate.

[0006] Despite these prior inventions, there exists a continuing needfor new and improved multi-well apparatus and methods for their use.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention is directed toward aspects and features ofa multi-well assembly for use in, for example, chemical, biological, andbiochemical analysis.

[0008] A multi-well assembly according to one representative embodimentcomprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block hasa plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottomsurface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passagewayscorresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate isconfigured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with themulti-well block, fluid communication is established between each welland an associated fluid passageway.

[0009] In an illustrated embodiment, the guide plate has a plurality ofprojections corresponding to the wells of multi-well block. Theprojections are configured to perforate the bottom surfaces ofrespective wells whenever the guide plate is registered with themulti-well block to allow the contents (e.g., chemicals) of each well toflow outwardly, such as under the force of gravity, through theperforated bottom surfaces of the wells and into respective fluidpassageways. The fluid passageways in a disclosed embodiment comprisechannels extending substantially longitudinally through the guide plateand each projection.

[0010] The multi-well assembly also may include a second multi-wellblock (also termed a “receptacle” block) for receiving or collecting thecontents of the wells of the multi-well block. The receptacle block inparticular embodiments has a plurality of wells, each of whichcorresponds to a respective fluid passageway of the guide plate. Thus,whenever the receptacle block is registered with the guide plate and themulti-well block, a fluid path is defined between each well of themulti-well block, a respective fluid passageway of the guide plate, anda respective well of the receptacle block. An optional cover may beprovided for covering the open tops of the wells of the multi-wellblock.

[0011] According to another representative embodiment, a multi-wellassembly comprises a first plate and a second plate. The first plate hasa plurality of wells. The second plate has a plurality of upwardlyextending fluid conduits, each of which is adapted to receive thecontents of a well whenever the first plate is registered with thesecond plate. In addition, the fluid conduits may be configured suchthat, whenever the first plate is registered with the second plate, eachfluid conduit extends upwardly into the lower portion of a respectivewell to receive fluid therefrom. In particular embodiments, the fluidconduits comprise projections formed with substantially longitudinallyextending passageways. The second plate also may be provided with anupwardly extending wall circumscribing each fluid conduit. The walls areconfigured such that, whenever the first plate is registered with thesecond plate, each wall matingly fits around the lower portion of arespective well to minimize cross-contamination between adjacent wells.

[0012] In another representative embodiment, a multi-well deviceincludes a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-imperviouslower surface. A guide tray has a plurality of fluid passageways thatcorrespond to the wells of the multi-well device. The guide tray alsohas means for fluidly connecting each fluid passageway with acorresponding well whenever the guide tray is registered with themulti-well device.

[0013] According to yet another representative embodiment, a guide platefor use with a multi-well device comprises a body having upper and lowermajor surfaces. A plurality of projections depend from the upper majorsurface and a plurality of outlet spouts depend from the lower majorsurface below the projections. Extending through each projection andoutlet spout is a fluid passageway or channel. In a disclosedembodiment, an upwardly extending wall surrounds each projection and isconfigured to matingly fit around the lower portion of a well of themulti-well device whenever the guide plate is registered with themulti-well device. In addition, each projection may be formed with acutting surface that is configured to perforate the bottom surface of awell whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well device.

[0014] According to another representative embodiment, a guide plate foruse with a multi-well device comprises a body having first and secondmajor surfaces. A plurality of projections depend from one of the firstand second major surfaces. Each projection is configured to perforatethe bottom surface of a well of the multi-well device whenever the guideplate is registered with the multi-well device. In particularembodiments, the projections are shaped in the form of an ungula (i.e.,a cylindrical or conical section formed by intersecting a cylinder orcone with one or more planes oblique to its base) and may be formed witha longitudinally extending channel.

[0015] In another representative embodiment, a method of carrying outmultiple chemical reactions comprises providing a multi-well devicehaving a plurality of wells with fluid-impervious bottom surfaces and aguide plate defining a plurality of passageways corresponding to thewells. Reagents for the chemical reactions may be introduced into thewells of the multi-well device. Upon completion of the chemicalreactions, the guide plate may be registered with the multi-well deviceso that the bottom of each well is in flow-through communication with apassageway in the guide plate. Thus, the products of the chemicalreactions are permitted to flow through the passageways and, if areceptacle plate is provided, into corresponding wells of the receptacleplate.

[0016] These and other features of the invention will be more fullyappreciated when the following detailed description of the invention isread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-well assembly, accordingto one embodiment, shown with a portion of the upper multi-well blockbroken away to show the upper surface of the guide plate, and with aportion of the guide plate broken away to show the wells of the lowermulti-well block.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the upper multi-well block ofthe multi-well assembly of FIG. 1, shown with a cover covering the opentops of the wells.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective, sectional view of the upper multi-wellblock of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the upper multi-well blockof FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a vertical section of the multi-well assembly of FIG. 1,shown with a cover installed on the upper multi-well block and filterspositioned in each well.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the guide plate of themulti-well assembly of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the guideplate shown partially in section.

[0024]FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the uppermulti-well block, shown partially in section, and a portion of the guideplate, shown partially in section, in which the wells of the uppermulti-well block are registered with corresponding fluid conduits of theguide plate.

[0025]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a multi-wellassembly, indicated generally at 10, according one embodiment.Generally, the assembly 10 comprises a first multi-well block 12, aguide plate, or tray, 14 situated below the first multi-well block 12,and a second multi-well block 16 (also termed a “receptacle block”)situated below the guide plate 14. In use, chemical or biological matteris introduced into the first multi-well block 12 for carrying out any ofvarious chemical, biological, and biochemical reactions and processes.The second multi-well block 16 serves as a receptacle block forreceiving chemical or biological matter from the first multi-well block12, as described in greater detail below.

[0027] Referring also to FIGS. 2-4, the first multi-well block 12 in theillustrated configuration has, as its name suggests, a generallyrectangular block-like shape and supports a 8×12 array of verticallydisposed, elongated wells, or cavities, 18. Such a 96-well array, withspecific (i.e., 9 mm) center-to-center spacing is a standardconfiguration for many commercially available multi-well test plates.The overall dimensional area of the first multi-well block 12, as wellas the guide plate 14 and the second multi-well block 16, provide for afootprint of the same size as a standard 96-well plate to permit usewith standard equipment holders, well washers, and the like.

[0028] Although in the illustrated embodiment the first multi-well block12 is shown as having a generally block-like shape, the first multi-wellblock 12 may be generally cylindrical in shape or have any of variousother geometric shapes. In addition, any number of wells 18 and anyarrangement of wells 18 may be used. For example, without limitation,other possible arrays of wells 18 include a 4×6 array and a 6×8 array.Although less desirable, in other embodiments, the first multi-wellblock 12 may support wells 18 that are not arranged in an ordered array.In still other embodiments, wells that are substantially shallower indepth than those of the illustrated embodiment may be used, in whichcase the first multi-well block 12 will have more of a plate-likeconfiguration, rather than the illustrated block-like shape. The wells18 may be configured to support volumes, for example, from about 100 μLto several mL per well, although wells having a larger or smallervolumetric capacity also may be used. In working embodiments, the wells18 are configured to hold about 2 mL to 3 mL per well.

[0029] The illustrated wells 18 have open tops 20 (FIGS. 1 and 3) andfluid-impermeable barriers 22 (FIGS. 3 and 4) that serve as bottomsurfaces for the wells 18. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each well 18has a generally rectangular (in the vertical direction) upper portion24, a cylindrical intermediate portion 26, and a cylindrical lowerportion 44. As shown, the upper portion 24 and lower portion 44 of eachwell 18 may be slightly tapered so that their cross-sectional profileexhibits decreasing width from top to bottom. The lower end of eachlower potion 44 is covered or sealed by the respective fluid barrier 22(FIGS. 2 and 4). In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the upperportion 24 of each well 18 may be formed with a curved bottom surface 28to prevent the contents of the well 18 from settling in the upperportion 24. In alternative embodiments, the well 18 may have any ofvarious other configurations. For example, an upper portion 24 may havea circular transverse cross-section or square-shaped transversecross-section with rounded corners. Alternatively, the wells 18 may beprovided with a constant cross-sectional shape along their entirelengths.

[0030] In addition, in still other embodiments, the barriers 22 may bedisplaced upward from the bottom edges of the lower portions 44. Forexample, the barriers 22 may be positioned within the intermediateportions 26 or the lower portions 44 of the wells 18. In any event, thebarriers 22 serve to retain matter (e.g., chemicals) introduced into therespective wells 18.

[0031] The barriers 22 desirably are about 0.005 to 0.015 inch thick,with 0.010 inch being a specific example, although thinner or thickerbarriers 22 can be used. In other embodiments, the barriers 22 may havea variable thickness. For example, a barrier 22 may have a convex shapeso that its thickness is greatest at its center, or alternatively, aconcave shape so that its thickness is greatest at its periphery.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, and 9, an optional cover or lid 60 maybe provided for covering the open tops 20 of the wells 18. The cover 60in the configuration shown comprises a fluid-impermeable top portion 62and legs 64 that extend downwardly from opposing sides of the topportion 62. The bottom of each leg 64 forms an inwardly extending latch66 that is dimensioned to fit within a corresponding notch 58 defined ina side of the first multi-well block 12 (FIGS. 2 and 5). The legs 62desirably are made from a semi-flexible material to permit slightbending or flexing of the legs 62 when installing or removing the cover60. A sealing member, such as a flat gasket (not shown), may bepositioned between the open tops 20 and the cover 60 to ensure afluid-tight seal. To remove the cover 62, the bottom ends of legs 64 arepulled away from the sides of the multi-well block 12 until the latchportions 66 are removed from their associated notches 58, at which pointthe cover 62 can be lifted away from the multi-well block 12.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, the second multi-well block 16, likethe first multi-well block 12, has an ordered array of wells 48, eachcorresponding to a respective well 18 of the first multi-well block 12.The guide plate 14 is configured to direct the flow of matter from thewells 18 of the first multi-well block 12 to corresponding wells 48 ofthe second multi-well block 16, as described below. In the illustratedembodiment, the second multi-well block 16 has the same construction asthe first multi-well block 12, however, this is not a requirement. Forexample, if the first multi-well block 12 and the guide plate 14 conformto a standardized format, such as the illustrated 96-well format, anysuitable commercially available receptacle block may be used in lieu ofthe illustrated second multi-well block 16.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the guide plate 14, in the illustratedconfiguration, comprises a body 38 having an upper major surface 40 anda lower major surface 42. The guide plate 14 has an ordered array ofupwardly extending fluid conduits in the form of projections 32, each ofwhich corresponds to a respective well 18 of the first multi-well block12. The guide plate 14 also may have an ordered array of downwardlyextending outlet spouts 50 located below respective projections 32. Theguide plate 14 is formed with respective bores, or channels, 34extending through each projection 32 and outlet spout 50.

[0035] The projections 32 are configured to perforate the respectivebarriers 22 to allow the contents of each well 18 to flow outwardlytherefrom whenever guide plate 14 is registered with the firstmulti-well block 12 (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8). As used herein, to“register” the guide plate 14 with the first multi-well block 12 meansto align each projection 32 with the respective barrier 22 of acorresponding well 18 and to press together the guide plate 14 and thefirst multi-well block 12 until the projections 32 extend into therespective lower portions 44 of the wells 18. Likewise, the secondmulti-well block 16 can be registered with the guide plate 14 byaligning the open tops of the wells 48 with corresponding outlet spouts50 of the guide plate 14 and pressing the guide plate 14 and the secondmulti-well block 16 together so that the outlet spouts 50 extend intothe respective wells 48 (FIG. 5).

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 7, the shape of each projection 32 in theillustrated embodiment is that of a cylindrical section formed byintersecting a cylinder with two planes oblique to the base of thecylinder in the manner shown. Thus, two flat, upwardly angled surfaces54 a, 54 b are provided that converge at the top, or crest, of theprojection 32 to form a cutting edge 56. The cutting edge 56 ispositioned to cut through a respective barrier 22 whenever the guideplate 14 and the first multi-well block 12 are pressed together. Otherforms for the projections 32 alternatively may be used. For example, theprojections 32 may be shaped in the form of a cone, a cylinder, or anyvariation thereof, and may or may not be provided with a cutting edge,such as shown in FIG. 7, to facilitate perforation of the barriers 22.

[0037] In alternative embodiments, the barriers 22 may be coupled to thelower portions 44 of the wells 18 in a manner that allows the barriersto be removed from sealing the bottom of their respective wells 18without being perforated or otherwise damaged whenever the guide plate14 is registered with the first multi-well block 12. For example, abarrier 22 may be hingedly connected to a lower portion 44 such that thebarrier 22 remains in a normally closed position for retaining thecontents of the well 18 whenever the first multi-well block 12 is notregistered with the guide plate 14. The hinged barrier 22 is caused tomove to an open position by a respective projection 32 to permit thecontents of the well 18 to escape therefrom whenever the firstmulti-well block 12 is registered with the guide plate 14. The barrier22 in this configuration may be biased toward its normally closedposition so that it automatically closes or seals the lower portion 44whenever the guide plate 14 is detached from the first multi-well block12.

[0038] In another embodiment, a barrier 22 may be configured such thatit is normally biased in a closed position and is caused to moveupwardly through a lower portion 44 by a respective projection 32whenever the first multi-well block 12 is registered with the guideplate 14. In this configuration, the lower portion 44 is tapered fromtop to bottom so that an opening is created between the periphery of thebarrier 22 and the inner surface of the lower portion 44 as the barrieris moved in an upward direction by the respective projection 32.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, each projection 32 iscircumscribed by an upper wall 36 depending from the upper major surface40 of the guide plate 14. Each outlet spout 50 is similarlycircumscribed by a lower wall 52 depending form the lower major surface42. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, whenever the guide plate 14 is registeredwith the first multi-well block 12, each upper wall 36 of the guideplate 14 matingly fits around the lower portion 44 of a correspondingwell 18. This provides for a substantially fluid-tight passagewayextending between each well 18 and corresponding channel 34 tosubstantially reduce cross-contamination between adjacent wells 18. Inaddition, each lower wall 52 is dimensioned to fit within an open top 46of a corresponding well 48 of the second multi-well block 16. Thus,whenever the first multi-well block 12, the guide plate 14, and thesecond multi-well block 16 are assembled in the manner shown in FIG. 5,the contents of each well 18 of the multi-well block 12 are allowed toflow through the channels 34 of the guide plate 14 into correspondingwells 48 of the receptacle block 16.

[0040] Guide-plate and projection configurations other than theillustrated configurations also may be used. For example, in alternativeembodiments, one or more channels may be formed in the guide plate 14 inthe space between each projection 32 and its respective upper wall 36,rather than through the projections 32 themselves, to permit thecontents of the wells 18 to flow through the guide plate 14 whenever theguide plate 14 is registered with the first multi-well block 12. Instill other embodiments, the upper walls 36 are dimensioned to beinserted into respective lower portions 44 of the wells 18.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, optional filters 30 may be positioned withinthe wells 18 of the first multi-well block 12 to filter chemicals orother matter introduced into the wells 18. Alternatively, filters (notshown) can be positioned in the channels 34 of the guide plate 14 and/orin the wells 48 of the second multi-well block 16. The filters 30 maycomprise any suitable material, such as, for example, polypropylene,polyethylene, glass fiber, and the like.

[0042] The first multi-well block 12, the guide plate 14, the secondmulti-well block 16, and the cover 60 desirably are formed of asubstantially rigid, water-insoluble, fluid-impervious material that ischemically non-reactive with the matter to be introduced into themulti-well assembly 10. The term “substantially rigid” as used herein isintended to mean that the material will resist deformation or warpingunder light mechanical or thermal load. Suitable materials include,without limitation, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene,polyvinylidine chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),polyvinyledenefluoride (PVDF), glass-impregnated plastics, and stainlesssteel, among others. In working embodiments, polypropylene is usedbecause it is easily amenable to varying temperature and pressureconditions, and is easy to fabricate.

[0043] The first multi-well block 12, the guide plate 14, the secondmulti-well block 16, and the cover 60 may be formed by any suitablemethod. For example, using conventional injection-molding techniques,each component of the assembly 10 (i.e., the first multi-well block 12,the guide plate 14, the second multi-well block 16, and the cover 60)can be formed as a unitary structure. In an alternative approach,various parts of each component may be formed and bonded together usingconventional thermal-bonding techniques. For example, the wells 18and/or the barriers 22 can be separately formed and subsequentlythermally bonded together to form the first multi-well block 12.

[0044] The multi-well assembly 10 may be used in any of variouschemical, biological, and biochemical reactions and processes such as,without limitation, solution-phase or solid-phase chemical synthesis andreactions, protein-derivitization assays, protein-caption assays,biotinylation and fluorescence labeling assays, magnetic separationassays, chromatography, and culturing of microorganisms, among others.The processes in the assembly 10 may be carried out at room temperature,below room temperature, or above room temperature. In addition, theassembly 10 supports multiple simultaneous reactions.

[0045] In using the multi-well assembly 10 for, for example, carryingout multiple chemical reactions, reagents are introduced into the wells18 of the first multi-well block 12, using, for example, a multi-channelpipette. In this manner, the first multi-well block 12 serves as a“reaction block” for carrying out the multiple chemical reactions. Aspreviously mentioned, the barriers 22 serve to retain the reagents inthe wells 18 during the reaction step. If desired, the cover 60 may beplaced on the first multi-well block 12 to prevent the escape of gasesthrough the open tops 20 of the wells 18 as the reactions occur, and/orto prevent contamination or cross-contamination of the reactions.

[0046] Upon completion of the reaction step, the bottom of each well 18is mated and coaxially aligned with a respective upper wall 36 of theguide plate 14, and each well 48 of the second multi-well (receptacle)block 16 is mated and aligned with a respective lower wall 52 of theguide plate 14. The first multi-well block 12, the guide plate 14, andthe receptacle block 16 may then be placed in a conventional pressingapparatus (not shown). The pressing apparatus is operated to press theassembly together to cause the projections 32 to perforate therespective barriers 22, thereby allowing the reaction products in eachwell 18 to flow through the channels 34 of the guide plate 14 and intothe respective wells 48 of the receptacle block 16 for analysis and/orstorage.

[0047] In specific working embodiments, the assembly 10 is configuredsuch that about 5 lb to 15 lb of force per well 18 during pressing issufficient to cause the projections 32 to perforate the barriers 22,although this is not a requirement. In other embodiments, the assembly10 may be configured to allow a user to register the first multi-wellblock 12, the guide plate 14, and the receptacle block 16 without theuse of a pressing apparatus.

[0048] After pressing, conventional techniques may be used to facilitateremoval of the contents of the wells 18. For example, the assembly 10may be centrifuged, or a pressure differential may be created across theassembly 10, as well known in the art. A pressure differential may becreated by, for example, applying positive pressure from acompressed-gas source (e.g., compressed air) to the wells 18 of thefirst multi-well block 12 or, alternatively, applying a vacuum to thewells 48 of the receptacle block 16.

[0049] After the reaction products are removed from the receptacle block16, the assembly 10 may be cleaned and re-used in another process. Ifdesired, the bottom of the wells 18 may be re-sealed by, for example,welding a mat of suitable material (e.g., polypropylene) to the bottomof the wells 18. Otherwise, the first multi-well block 12 may be used asis, that is, without any barriers 22 in place to retain matterintroduced into the wells 18.

[0050] In addition, in other methods of use, after executing a firstreaction step, the receptacle block 16 may be used to perform asubsequent reaction or processing step, and additional chemicals orreagents may be introduced into the wells 48. Thereafter, the receptacleblock 16 can be registered with another guide plate 14 and receptacleblock 16 in the manner described above. In this manner, the receptacleblock 16 is used as a reaction block in the subsequent reaction orprocessing step.

[0051] The invention has been described with respect to particularembodiments and modes of action for illustrative purposes only. Thepresent invention may be subject to many modifications and changeswithout departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.We therefore claim as our invention all such modifications as comewithin the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A multi-well assembly, comprising: a multi-well blockhaving a plurality of wells, each well having a fluid-impermeable bottomsurface; and a guide plate defining a plurality of fluid passageways,each fluid passageway corresponding to a respective well of themulti-well block, the guide plate being configured such that, wheneverthe guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluidcommunication is established between each well and an associated fluidpassageway.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide plate hasupwardly extending projections that open the bottom surfaces of thewells whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block.3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein each projection is configured toperforate the bottom surface of a well.
 4. The assembly of claim 2,wherein each projection is formed with a longitudinally extendingpassageway.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a filterdisposed in each well.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising afilter disposed in each fluid passageway.
 7. The assembly of claim 1,further comprising a receptacle block having a plurality of wells eachcorresponding to a respective fluid passageway of the guide plate suchthat, whenever the receptacle block is registered with the guide plateand the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluidcommunication is established between each well of the multi-well block,a respective fluid passageway of the guide plate, and a respective wellof the receptacle block.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, further comprisinga cover for covering the open tops of the wells of the multi-well block.9. A multi-well assembly comprising: a first plate having a plurality ofwells; and a second plate having a plurality of upwardly extending fluidconduits; whereby, whenever the first plate is registered with thesecond plate, each fluid conduit extends upwardly into a respective wellto receive fluid therefrom.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein: eachwell has a fluid-tight bottom surface; and whenever the first plate isregistered with the second plate, each fluid conduit perforates a bottomsurface of a respective well so that the fluid conduit is in fluidcommunication with the well.
 11. The assembly of claim 9, furthercomprising a receptacle block having a plurality of containers, eachcontainer being registerable with a respective fluid conduit of thesecond plate for receiving and collecting fluid from the second plate.12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein, whenever the first plate isregistered with the second plate, each well and a corresponding fluidconduit define a substantially fluid-tight passageway.
 13. The assemblyof claim 9, wherein each fluid conduit comprises a respective projectionformed with a longitudinally extending channel.
 14. The assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the second plate comprises an upwardly extending wallcircumscribing each fluid conduit, each wall being configured tomatingly fit around a lower portion of a respective well whenever thefirst plate is registered with the second plate.
 15. A multi-welltesting apparatus, comprising: a multi-well device comprising aplurality of wells each having a fluid-impervious lower surface; and aguide tray comprising a plurality of fluid passageways, each fluidpassageway corresponding to a well of the multi-well device, the guidetray comprising means for fluidly connecting each fluid passageway witha corresponding well whenever the guide tray is registered with themulti-well device.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said means forfluidly connecting each fluid passageway with a corresponding wellcomprises a plurality of upwardly extending projections configured toperforate the lower surfaces of the respective wells whenever the guidetray is registered with the multi-well device.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 15, further comprising a respective filter disposed in each well.18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the guide tray further comprisesan upwardly extending wall circumscribing each fluid passageway, eachwall being configured to press-fit around a lower portion of arespective well whenever the guide tray is registered with themulti-well device.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising areceptacle block comprising a plurality of wells each corresponding to arespective fluid passageway of the guide tray such that, whenever thereceptacle block is registered with the guide tray and the guide tray isregistered with the multi-well device, fluid communication isestablished between each well of the multi-well device, a respectivefluid passageway of the guide tray, and a respective well of thereceptacle block.
 20. A guide plate for use with a multi-well device,the guide plate comprising: a body having upper and lower majorsurfaces; a plurality of projections depending from the upper majorsurface; a plurality of outlet spouts depending from the lower majorsurface, each outlet spout being positioned below a respectiveprojection; and a respective fluid passageway extending through eachprojection and outlet spout.
 21. The guide plate of claim 20, furthercomprising a respective upwardly extending wall concentrically disposedabout each projection.
 22. The guide plate of claim 20, furthercomprising a respective downwardly extending wall concentricallydisposed about each outlet spout.
 23. The guide plate of claim 20,wherein each projection defines a respective cutting surface.
 24. Aguide plate for use with a multi-well device having a plurality ofwells, the guide plate comprising: a body having first and second majorsurfaces; and a plurality of projections depending from one of the firstand second major surfaces, each projection being configured to perforatethe bottom surface of a respective well of the multi-well device. 25.The guide plate of claim 24, wherein each projection defines apassageway to receive the contents of a corresponding well of themulti-well device.
 26. The guide plate of claim 25, wherein eachprojection is formed generally in the shape of an ungula.
 27. The guideplate of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of upstanding walls,each surrounding a respective projection and being configured tomatingly fit around a bottom portion of a corresponding well of themulti-well device.
 28. A method of carrying out multiple chemicalreactions, the method comprising: providing a multi-well devicecomprising a plurality of wells having fluid-impervious bottom surfaces;providing a guide plate defining a plurality of passagewayscorresponding to the wells; introducing reagents into the wells toinitiate respective chemical reactions in the wells; and registering theguide plate with the multi-well device so that each well is inflow-through communication with a respective passageway to permitproducts of the respective chemical reactions to flow through thepassageways.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising registeringa receptacle plate with the guide plate to collect the products of thechemical reactions flowing from the passageways.
 30. The method of claim28, further comprising providing respective filters in the wells forfiltering the reagents.
 31. The method of claim 28, further comprisingcreating a pressure differential across the passageways to facilitatethe flow of the respective products of the respective chemical reactionsthrough the passageways.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein registeringthe guide plate with the multi-well device comprises pressing the guideplate and the multi-well device together using a pressing apparatus.